Coronary Spasm v Angina. Any else had a diagnosis swopped?

[Janetps]

My first post following a very strange year! I've have just had my second coronary angiogram to have a pressure wire test. I have two 50/60% blocked main arteries and it was thought I have Angina as I have 5 episodes in the past year. The good news is that my wire test was negative meaning my blood flow is good through the arteries and I don't need stenting. I've now been told that it's more likely I'm suffering from coronary spasms. This might explain why I don't have any problem with exertion and my stress (exertion) echocardiogram was also fine. Can anyone give me an idea about spasms, mine seem to come on with emotional stress, so I am trying to sort my lifestyle out!

[Sina-6491]

Never heard of that, I'm afraid. But I wish you well on sorting it all out.

It's worse when we don't know what's going on, isn't it.

Take care now, Jo 😊

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi janetps welcome to the forum,

There is some information on the BHF website cations/heart-conditions/medical-information-sheets/coronary-artery-spasm, this may help.

You can also call their helpline for some more information. Hope you get some answers soon

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

That must be so strange, having your diagnosis changed so far down the line! I don't know a lot about either condition (agree that BHF website or phone line would be a good place to start) but sounds like adapting your lifestyle to work for you would be good in any circumstance. I'm a big believer in being kind to yourself. Good luck and hope you find answers soon

[Carokai]

Janetps I also suffer with Angiospasm ( or Coronary Spasm according to some Doctors) and struggled with diagnosis.

I had one HA due to an unstentable blockage and then 6 days later another, much more serious event, which they initially thought was due another blockage. A second angiogram and negative wire test led to my diagnosis.

Unfortunately it was the Angiospasm that caused the majority of my damage.

In the last two years I have learn't a lot about the condition mainly through experience and online research. Unfortunately it is not well understood and I have only found two Consultants in the UK who specialise in treating it. Both in the South.

For me, it is episodal. I can go for weeks without an issue and then wake up one morning in pain. I find that mine is heavily linked to stress (I used to be able to deal with a heavily stress laden career, now I react to the smallest stress). I also react badly to extremes of temperature and lately have noticed an issue if my stomach is uncomfortable (possible vagus nerve irritation).

Walking helps during an attack, as does eating very lightly, sleeping properly and ensuring I take my meds perfectly (Amlodopine and Isosorbide Mononitrate). My GP and I have learn't through trial and error that I am better if I split my Amlodopine 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night. I also practice Mindfulness and Pilates to calm my heart when it is irritated.

I hope you soon manage to identify your triggers and find ways to deal with this condition. You are not alone but it is not common and can be misunderstood. Definitely a situation where the more you understand the better when it comes to interacting with MP's, not all have a great deal of experience in dealing with it.